Also by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker: Imagination Station #2: Attack at the Arena Imagination Station #3: Peril in the Palace Imagination Station #4: Revenge of the Red Knight   Imagination Station #1: Voyage with the Vikings by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker Ages 7+ 128 pages Tyndale House March 2011 Paperback     This book introduces us to cousins Patrick and Beth and their travels through time in the Imagination Station series. In Voyage with the Vikings, Patrick and Beth visit a soda shop called Whit’s End. It is located in an old house owned by Mr. Whittaker, who also owns many inventions in his huge workshop and museum-like collection. The large machine is a time travel machine of sorts and this is the machine that Patrick and Beth get into for their first adventure. They are on a quest to find a Viking Sunstone because, according to a letter found in Mr. Whittaker’s workshop, this item is needed to save Albert from Lord Darkthorn. Without their knowing who Albert or Lord Darkthorn are or what their connection to the inventor Mr. Whittaker is, the machine’s light start flashing and blinking and the children are off on their adventure. This journey takes the cousins back in time where they meet Erik the Red and his son Leif. The biblical message that Patrick and Beth impart in this journey to the war-hungry Vikings who are worshipping idols is that there is only one God who believes in peace, not war. The story is basic and easy to follow for young readers, who will stay engaged with the action and fast-paced plot. Though the information is general, readers are introduced to life in Viking times with references, for example, to animal pelts and weaponry. The story does mention the Bible, God, and a Christian-based message on peace and harmony, which may or may not appeal to different readers. There are several detailed black and white illustrations throughout the book (some of which are repeated in other books of the series) that enhance the text descriptions and show aspects of the time to which the children have traveled. There are also some puzzles and games in the back of the book that refer to the story. Voyage with the Vikings is a fun and adventurous glimpse into the Viking world and recommended for readers looking for confirmation of Christian values in plots. Recommended.     web reviews   Maya Fleischmann/2012 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)